Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces. Heavy falls about 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.
Several spells of showers may occur in the Northern province and in Anuradhapura district. Strong winds of about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district. The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds.
June 12, World (LNW): Authorities in the Indian city of Ahmedabad have confirmed that the recent Air India crash has likely resulted in the complete loss of life on board, with local residents feared among the dead. According to international news agencies AFP and AP, Commissioner G.S. Malik, the city’s top police official, stated that there are no indications of any survivors.
Speaking to the press, Malik explained that the aircraft went down in a densely populated area containing both residential and commercial properties. “It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,” he said, noting that the impact likely claimed lives beyond those on the aircraft itself. “Some locals would have also died,” he added grimly.
Efforts are still underway to determine the precise number of fatalities, with emergency responders continuing to work through the debris. The lack of survivors has heightened the sense of tragedy surrounding the incident, which has already triggered an international wave of condolences and concern.
The crash has not only devastated families of those aboard but has also affected the local community into which the aircraft plunged. With rescue and recovery operations ongoing, officials are urging patience as the true scale of the disaster becomes clearer.
June 12, Colombo (LNW): The government of Sri Lanka has extended its deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in a tragic air accident that occurred near the Indian city of Ahmedabad earlier today.
The catastrophe unfolded as an Air India aircraft, bound for London, crashed shortly after beginning its take-off at approximately 1.17 PM local time. Initial reports emerging from Indian news outlets suggest that at least 133 people have perished in the incident. The ill-fated flight was reportedly carrying 232 passengers and ten members of the flight crew.
The scale of the disaster has prompted an outpouring of grief across the region, with Sri Lanka joining the international community in offering condolences and solidarity. In a statement issued via its official channels, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its profound sorrow and alarm at the loss of life, describing the incident as deeply distressing.
“Heartfelt condolences are extended to the families and loved ones of those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” the Ministry said in a message shared on the social media platform ‘X’.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation by Indian aviation authorities, the event has already been marked as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country’s recent history. Emergency services and rescue operations have been working tirelessly at the crash site, with efforts underway to identify the deceased and provide medical assistance to any possible survivors.
The aviation industry, shaken by the scale of the loss, is also facing renewed calls for a thorough review of safety protocols and aircraft maintenance practices. Questions are being raised over possible mechanical failure or other contributing factors, though officials have yet to confirm any definitive cause.
Back in Sri Lanka, the news has prompted moments of silence in several official settings, with messages of condolence coming from across the political spectrum. The President’s Office is also expected to issue a formal statement acknowledging the tragedy and reaffirming solidarity with India during this period of mourning.
Colombo (LNW):An Air India passenger plane carrying 242 people crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, a major city in western India, early Thursday morning.
Images from the crash site show thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky. The full extent of casualties is still unclear.
The flight, AI171, was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, where it was scheduled to arrive at 6:25 p.m. local time (1:25 p.m. ET).
In a statement, Air India confirmed that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved in the incident had taken off from Ahmedabad International Airport and suffered an accident shortly after departure.
The airline said there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian aboard the aircraft, including both passengers and crew. Injured individuals are being transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
June 12, Colombo (LNW): Commissioner Jagath Weerasinghe has reportedly been appointed as the new spokesperson for the Department of Prisons.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed the appointment amid rising scrutiny following a controversial prisoner release that has sparked widespread public concern.
The change in spokesperson comes shortly after the resignation of Commissioner Gamini B. Dissanayake, who stepped down from his media duties earlier in the day.
His departure is believed to be linked to recent revelations regarding the questionable release of an inmate from Anuradhapura Prison, allegedly under the guise of a presidential pardon issued for Vesak Poya.
In the wake of the incident, senior officials at the Ministry of Justice have begun reviewing the current structure of the Department of Prisons. Plans are now underway to implement a series of administrative reforms, including a reassignment of key supervisory positions across the country. These changes are expected to address longstanding concerns about internal accountability and systemic inefficiencies.
The leadership of the department has already undergone a shake-up, with the former Commissioner General of Prisons, Thushara Upuldeniya, being placed on suspension. In his absence, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Nishan Dhanasinghe, has taken over in an acting capacity. Dhanasinghe, who is known for his administrative acumen, is now tasked with overseeing the reforms and restoring public trust in the system.
June 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s health officials have raised alarms over a growing number of leptospirosis infections, commonly referred to as “rat fever”, which have been steadily increasing with the onset of the monsoon rains.
The bacterial illness, which thrives in waterlogged environments and flood-prone zones, is drawing renewed concern from both the medical community and public health authorities.
Speaking at a recent media briefing hosted by the Health Promotion Bureau, senior epidemiologist Dr Thushani Dabarera explained that the majority of reported infections are concentrated in the districts of Ratnapura, Kurunegala, Kegalle, Gampaha, and Kalutara—areas that have experienced a combination of heavy rainfall and high levels of agricultural activity.
According to Dr Dabarera, the disease is spread through a bacterium that is most commonly found in the urine of rodents, especially rats, and is transmitted when contaminated water or soil comes into contact with human skin, often through cuts or abrasions.
She noted that populations most at risk include paddy field workers, individuals involved in gem mining in certain districts, and agricultural labourers in flood-affected or swampy areas. The cultivation of ‘Keerakotu’, a common leafy vegetable grown in wet fields, has also been identified as a possible source of exposure. Dr Dabarera urged these communities to take preventative measures, including the use of protective footwear and gloves, and to avoid wading through stagnant water whenever possible.
Health professionals also issued a broader warning about the seasonal spike in viral fevers among children. Consultant paediatrician Dr Kosala Karunaratne of Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo explained that the monsoon period often sees a proliferation of so-called “sour fevers”—a colloquial term used to describe a cluster of illnesses that tend to peak during this time of year. Among these are dengue, influenza, Chikungunya, and diarrhoea-related fevers, in addition to leptospirosis.
Dr Karunaratne advised parents to be especially vigilant if their children exhibit symptoms such as persistent high fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, or difficulty urinating. He stressed the importance of seeking prompt medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to subside on their own, as delays in treatment could lead to serious complications, particularly with illnesses like dengue or rat fever which can escalate quickly.
June 12, Colombo (LNW): A senior figure within Sri Lanka’s prison administration has stepped down, intensifying the fallout from a recent controversy surrounding the premature release of an inmate under questionable circumstances.
Commissioner Gamini B. Dissanayake, who served as the official media spokesperson for the Department of Prisons, is understood to have submitted his resignation to the Acting Commissioner General, citing concerns linked to the widely criticised release of a detainee from Anuradhapura Prison during the Vesak Poya period.
The pardon, which was issued under a special Presidential amnesty scheme, has come under increasing public and political scrutiny due to allegations that due process was not followed.
Though full details of the inmate’s identity and case remain undisclosed, civil society watchdogs and legal analysts have raised concerns about transparency and the potential misuse of executive clemency.
In the wake of the suspension of Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya, who had previously been at the helm of the Department, the Ministry of Justice appointed Additional Secretary Nishan Dhanasinghe to serve as Acting Commissioner General.
June 12, Colombo (LNW):Sri Lanka is making significant strides in expanding its export portfolio, particularly in organic produce and ethical manufacturing, with 2025 shaping up to be a promising year for the nation’s export sector.
The Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe announced that the country has secured quarantine clearance for the export of bananas and pineapples—opening new avenues in the fresh fruit market globally.
In an address highlighting the nation’s export potential, Wijesinghe underscored Sri Lanka’s growing reputation as a flagship green destination. “We are home to the world’s first ozone-friendly tea grower, and our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices is what makes Sri Lanka a trusted sourcing destination,” he said.
Tea remains a cornerstone of the country’s export economy, with all tea produced using 100% ozone-friendly methods. Sri Lanka continues to lead the global market in value-added tea products, setting benchmarks for environmental and quality standards.
The EDB Chairman also noted the country’s impressive performance in fisheries. Currently, 34 EU-approved fish processing establishments operate in Sri Lanka, all using sustainable fishing techniques.
Every vessel in the industry is licensed under the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), ensuring full compliance with international laws such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations.
Coconut-based exports are another area of strength, with production facilities certified under ISO and HACCP standards. These include desiccated coconut, coconut milk, and coconut milk powder, all produced in eco-conscious environments, free from animal cruelty and using organically certified coconut farms.
In niche markets, Sri Lanka holds unique leadership positions. The country is the world’s largest supplier of tawashi brushes and the top global exporter of brown fibre.
Moreover, it has achieved Geographical Indication (GI) recognition for Ceylon Cinnamon in the European Union, enhancing its global brand identity. The ‘Pure Ceylon Cinnamon’ trademark is now registered in key international markets including the USA, Peru, Colombia, and the EU.
Looking at the broader export outlook for 2025, Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports are projected to grow steadily, driven by rising global demand for ethical, organic, and sustainable products. Key export sectors such as apparel, rubber, spices, ICT services, and food and beverage are also showing positive momentum.
Crucially, Sri Lanka maintains a strong commitment to labour rights and sustainability. “Our industries do not rely on child labour, forced labour, or sweatshop practices,” Wijesinghe reaffirmed.
More than 80% of Sri Lanka’s manufacturing facilities meet international environmental and labour standards, strengthening the country’s appeal as a responsible trade partner on the world stage.
June 12, Colombo (LNW):In a timely financial development for Sri Lanka’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, DFCC Bank has secured a $12 million funding facility from European impact investment platform Symbiotics, with a strong focus on renewable energy and solar adoption. The funding, consisting of a $6.25 million tranche in U.S. dollars and an LKR-equivalent of $5.75 million, will support clean energy projects and empower SMEs adopting sustainable business practices.
The facility was structured by Symbiotics through the issuance of bonds specifically for DFCC Bank, which are now listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange under an International Securities Identification Number (ISIN). TSW Capital Services Ltd., based in India, served as the transaction advisor to DFCC Bank.
DFCC Bank has long supported sustainable and inclusive finance. This latest initiative not only underscores the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also provides critical access to affordable finance for local enterprises. “This funding enables us to direct international capital into local projects that matter – clean energy, small businesses, long-term growth,” said Prins Perera, DFCC Bank’s Senior Vice President – Head of Treasury, Investment and Wholesale Banking.
He highlighted the importance of the facility, especially given the current challenges Sri Lanka faces in accessing foreign funding. Notably, a portion of the funding was disbursed in Sri Lankan Rupees, allowing DFCC Bank to minimize foreign exchange risk and pass on the benefit of stable, lower-cost financing to local borrowers. This approach sets a rare precedent in international borrowing for Sri Lankan institutions and could serve as a model for similar deals in the future.
The funding aligns with Sri Lanka’s national goal of generating 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, reinforcing DFCC Bank’s role in supporting green transformation. It also directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by improving local access to sustainable energy financing.
More broadly, the initiative strengthens DFCC Bank’s growing green finance portfolio, which supports climate-friendly economic development, particularly in the underserved SME sector. The bank continues to act as a bridge between global impact capital and Sri Lankan enterprises, playing a pivotal role in the country’s transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
June 12, Colombo (LNW):In a move to strengthen bilateral military cooperation, Russia and Sri Lanka held the second planning conference for their upcoming joint military anti-terrorism exercises. The conference took place at the Eastern Military District headquarters in Russia, according to an official statement from the Russian Military District on Monday.
This series of joint exercises will focus on counter-terrorism operations, with both countries’ forces preparing to simulate the elimination of illegal armed groups in jungle and urban combat environments. The training will emphasize coordinated tactics, command structures, and operational communication to tackle evolving global threats.
From the Russian side, the Air Force delegation was led by acting Commander Lieutenant General Mikhail Nosulev. The Sri Lankan delegation was headed by Deputy Army Commander Major General Vedage Vimalarate.
Assistant Commander for International Military Cooperation Ivan Taraev noted that the exercises would “not only enrich mutual experience but also help develop common approaches to neutralizing global challenges, primarily terrorism.”
This follows an earlier conference held in Sri Lanka in May 2025, during which military representatives from both countries exchanged tactical insights and shared best practices in anti-terror operations. Although the exact dates and the hosting country for the final joint exercises have not been confirmed, officials have indicated that planning is progressing smoothly.
Russia and Sri Lanka share a longstanding history of military and technical cooperation dating back to the 1960s. Throughout Sri Lanka’s internal conflict period, the Soviet Union—and later the Russian Federation—provided critical military assistance, including weapons and training support. Notably, Sri Lanka acquired Russian MiG-27 ground attack aircraft, significantly enhancing its air interdiction capabilities.
Today, this cooperation extends beyond equipment supply. The Russian Defense Attaché in Colombo has highlighted continuing partnerships with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), emphasizing the importance of training programs and a shared vision for expanded collaboration. Educational opportunities for Sri Lankan youth in Russian military academies have also been proposed, with support from both the MoD and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education.
In addition to military ties, the two nations maintain a robust political relationship. High-level dialogues, interparliamentary exchanges, and foreign ministry consultations have been institutionalized, including through an inter-ministerial consultation mechanism established in 2000.
As both countries continue to navigate complex security challenges in the 21st century, these joint exercises underscore a deepening strategic partnership built on decades of trust, shared interests, and mutual defense cooperation.
